As South Africans prepare to listen and watch the State of the Nation Address (SoNa) on 12 February 2026 at 7pm, the country does so at a time marked by positive developments which include the strengthening of the rand, consecutive quarters of economic growth and having consistent power supply from Eskom.

As the first school term of 2026 begins, there is a deeper responsibility that cannot be overlooked which is to deal with the safety and well-being of our children. Children are our future leaders, and they must always be protected, whether on and off the school grounds, be it on drugs, human trafficking, teenage pregnancy or road safety.

After a long year of hard work, most people take a break to relax the mind, body and soul. For many South Africans, this involves driving to different parts of the country during the festive season to spend time with family and friends.

As the year draws to a close and we stand on the threshold of a new year in 2026, the prevailing sentiment regarding our economy is one of confident optimism. Despite the formidable challenges our economy has navigated, we are now definitively turning the corner, accelerating towards a more stable and prosperous economic future.

Imagine a South Africa where every individual, regardless of ability, has equal opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully. This is the type of an inclusive society we are striving to build as we concluded Disability Rights Awareness Month on the 3rd of December.